Justin Bieber shared a heartwarming tribute to his friend and Universal Music Group executive Thomas Ayad, who died during the terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday. The singer took to Twitter to mourn the loss of his friend, saying “I wish I would have had more time to thank him.”
RIP Thomas #PrayForParis pic.twitter.com/L4nHUGEFWK
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) November 17, 2015
Ayad Was one of the 89 people killed at the Bataclan theater during the Eagles of Death Metal concert.
Bieber had multiple live-stream shows scheduled on the night of the Paris attacks, but decided not to cancel the events so he could “hopefully bring some light & hope to those hurting.” He made the announcement in a since-deleted tweet, Entertainment Tonight reported.
At his show, Bieber also gave a heartfelt tribute to all of the victims of the Paris attacks with a moment of prayer.
There’s great significance in which targets the terrorist chose to strike in Paris. While a terrorist act is tragic no matter where it takes place, the attack on the Bataclan theater will probably stand out the most in people’s mind.
I think the reason that attack stands out is because of what it represents. The terrorists didn’t just attack an event or a specific concert, they attacked music. Here’s a statement from Bono of the band U2:
“Our first thoughts at this point are with the Eagles of Death Metal fans. If you think about it, the majority of victims last night are music fans. This is the first direct hit on music that we’ve had in this so-called War on Terror or whatever it’s called. It’s very upsetting. These are our people. This could be me at a show. You at a show, in that venue. It’s a very recognizable situation for you and for me and the cold-blooded aspect of this slaughter is deeply disturbing and that’s what I can’t get out of my head.”
“Music is very important. I think U2 has a role to play and I can’t wait till we get back to Paris and play and that’s what I’m feeling from the messages we’re receiving from music fans is these people will not set our agenda. They will not organize our lives for us.”
I couldn’t agree with Bono more. I wish to give my heartfelt condolences to all of the families in Paris and Beirut who lost loved to these senseless acts of violence.
Watch below.
